We Remember
CARL, Kevin James – Updated Service Info.
July 22, 1957 — January 4, 2024
A Memorial Service and reception will be held on SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.
Later that afternoon, an informal celebration of Kevin’s life to share stories and have a laugh or two will be from 3 pm – 6 pm, at Okanagan Mission Activity Centre, 4398 Hobson Road, Kelowna, BC. Refreshments and appetizers will be served.
Kevin James Carl was born on July 22, 1957, in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, and passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on January 4, 2024, at 4:20 pm at the age of 66.
He is survived by his sister Kerri (Ricardo); son Michael (Flynn); daughter Selena; Rosann Nanci; lifelong friends Lisa and Bill Mitchell and many dear and close friends. Haley will miss your belly rubs and treats. Kevin is predeceased by his father Bob; mother Joan; sister Cindy; and Grandma Alice.
At the age of 17, Kevin joined the Navy, eager to explore and travel the world and all it had to offer. One of Kevin’s greatest accomplishments is having served his country, earning many medals and great recognition. After his time in the Navy, Kevin met Rosann in 1989, and they married in 1995. Kevin and Rosann then welcomed their two beautiful children, son Michael, and daughter Selena. Kevin is also survived by his son Scott, from a previous relationship, who now resides in Finland.
Kevin was a Red Seal Chef and enjoyed many years catering in the Kelowna area. He then pursued a different career path as an educator, teaching in the Kelowna school district for 20 years, and retiring in 2018. Kevin is remembered as an avid outdoorsman — he loved being outside and in nature, enjoying the beautiful, warm sunshine at the river or the champagne powder at the ski hills. He was an avid skier, fly fisherman (with the skill of tying his own flies!), and thoroughly enjoyed paddleboarding. His love for the outdoors and activity extended beyond his own life, making him an avid sports fan, always cheering on his Vancouver Canucks in good seasons, and in bad. Kevin also had a deep love for all kinds of music and was extremely proud of his record collection. He adored concerts and has hundreds of ticket stubs, each with its own story. Alluding to stories, Kevin was known as a great storyteller who always had a story to share to make you laugh, smile, and feel good about life. He looked at the glass as half full.
The family would like to thank Dr. Natalie Angus for her compassion and care, along with Dr. Strauss and Maureen of the MAID program. Your empathy, grace, and professionalism are beyond words — we are very thankful to you. We would also like to extend a thank you to the palliative community nurses. Your patience and kindness was appreciated.
As Kev always said: “It’s not goodbye, it’s see ya later on the next adventure.” Rest easy Kev.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.
They say that teachers can change your life and Mr. Carl was no exception. I had the honor of being in his classes during my middle school days and he will forever go down as one of my favourite teachers. He had the ability to connect with teenagers that not many people can do . He always had time to listen, to help, and to ensure we succeeded in his class, as long as we put in the effort. Even running into him 20+ years later, with my own little family, he remembered exactly who I was and always had time to catch up and with the biggest smile on his face.
The world has lost a beautiful, one-of-a-kind soul but heaven gained an angel.
Sending my condolences to his family.
So sorry to hear of Kevins passing, at least he did it his way……❤️❤️❤️
Kevin, you always had a great smile on. Thanks for the laughs way back when. The great coincidence, you were my nephew’s favourite teacher
Kevin was my favorite uncle. Growing up, he taught my brother Kris and I many things. Free samples in the candy isle of the grocery store were mandatory, and how it’s important to yell oyster if someone passes gas. He was notorious for breaking something when he was around. Bed frames, lamps, ice cube trays. There was always some type of ruckus happening around him and it was usually in good fun. He had a story for every occasion and they could captivate any audience. I can still hear him telling us about the time my uncle Ray ate goldfish in front of a crowd when they were teenagers. The man could have written a few books about his adventures and still have something new to tell you when you next saw him.
I would give anything to sit down for one more sesh and get a few more stories out of him.
I am so grateful to have had him in my life and to have so many great memories and tales to pass down to my children to keep his memory alive.
He was one of a kind, There will always be a Kevin sized hole in my heart.
Our condolences to the family….#Godspeed Kevin
My sincere Condolences and hugs to Kevin’s family and all who knew Kevin . A many of us that knew him went to Queen Elizabeth Sr Secondary and I will always remember Kevin’s forever smile on his face , his big hair and kindness . he saved a friend of mine one night from what could have been the end for my friend , always looking after others ….. RIP Kevin and thank you for your great Service 🌹
We are so sorry for your loss, Michael, Selena and Rosann. Kevin always filled a room with his personality and exuberance. He will be missed.
Bro bro bro…….you will be missed…….had a lot of laughs and pranks…….see u on the other side my friend
We send our condolences to all of your family at the lost of your loved one. From Diana, Kenn and Keith Markewich and Bambina Tinto
My sincere condolences Selena, Michael and Rosann & family. Kevin and I had a lot of laughs as we were both honorary members of the “Wintergreen Mayor’s club”. It was always nice to hear his stories about family, teaching, fishing and just general life “BS” as he would say. My favorite memory was Kevin taking me fishing to Oyama Lake and me out fishing him, it was a quiet ride home, haha.
I will miss your laugh and your presence Kevin. Safe travels my friend.
I am saddened to hear this news. Kevin was an outstanding teacher who made an impact on many. I often think about his kind and funny nature that made my middle school experience enjoyable. My condolences to the family.
He had such a zest for life. The world was better place with him in it. Now it can hang freely.
Mr. Carl was one of the most wonderful teachers. I remember him like it was yesterday, he made learning fun! He had such a kind, caring presence and a Sense of humour that made the room fill with laughter. He will be missed.
Hey, so very sorry to lose our good friend, Kevin.
Kevin had a personality that you just couldn’t help but love the guy….he will be missed! Rip, buddy!
We will miss Kevin so much at the river. He always stopped by our site to talk fishing. Awesome man!!!
I was at a wedding this evening with some old high school buddies and I heard of your passing, Mr. Carl. It hit me especially hard as I lost my dad to cancer this last April, and I just can’t help but think of how unfair this all is. You were one of my absolute favourite teachers, and you and I had a special bond. One time you were joyfully eating a rabbit that you had caught and cooked, and you were relentless in telling us how good it was, Being the animal rights activist that I am/being a teenager, I was SO offended by this. I remember being so upset with you and I froze you out for over a week. I also remember you coming to me and apologizing, saying you were sorry for how it had hurt my feelings and how you had hoped we could be friends again. That apology meant a lot to me, not only because it made me feel validated, but because adults don’t often apologize, and it showed me that in fact everyone makes mistakes. You and I had the same taste in music, and we would often talk about our favourite songs. You were also the one person that made me feel validated in my feelings towards my mom – I wrote a poem about her for an assignment and I remember you saying it was one of the most poignant pieces of writing you had ever read. It meant an incredible amount coming from an adult for a young girl who was deeply hurt by her mother and needing reassurance that she was right in her sadness. All this to say, I am so sorry that you are gone but I am hopeful that you and my sweet dad have met on the other side and are listening to some Journey together. You were one of the greats and I will miss you always. I have a picture of yours from your old classroom at Knox and I will be hanging it soon next to a picture of my dad – may you live on in peace and love 🤍